The sister of a 15-year-old boy who was killed when his electric bike crashed into a parked ambulance after being followed by police has led the tributes to him. The teenager has been named locally as Saul Cookson.
He was rushed to hospital following the incident on Langworthy Road in Salford on Thursday afternoon and died a short time later. Traffic cops had followed the teen along Fitzwarren Street and Lower Seedley Road at around 2pm, until bollards prevented the chase from proceeding further.
But tragedy struck when Saul ran into the ambulance on nearby Langworthy Road. Greater Manchester Police has now referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is leading an investigation into the crash.
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The boy has not been officially identified by GMP as of yet. But Saul's sister Taylor-Jade led the tributes on Instagram, The Mirror reports.
She wrote: "Seriously can’t believe I'm typing this right now. I'm lost for words and don't know what to say.
"Just so crazy how it happened. In one blink he was gone. He was way too young and shouldn't have gone at 15. He was seriously my best friend and brother in one. Even though he did annoy me we had the best memories and will never be forgotten.
"I'm so proud to call you MY brother and you will always be in my mind and by my side. Such a cruel world and how fast it happened I was literally just talking to my mum and it just happened in one blink after all the good memories and I wish we could've made more but all of them are still in my heart. Rest easy Saul."
Devastated cousin Jack Pennington penned his own eulogy on the social media platform, writing: "Everyone who knew Saul knew he was the nicest lad about, had a good heart, polite and have u like no tomorrow.
"Can’t believe I’m writing this, no other word describes it other than shock. Don’t feel real in the slightest one of the best lads you could meet and I feel lucky to have called u my cousin.
"Had some good times growing up ... can’t believe that’s just it. Shows wat a cruel world we’re living in. Miss u forever my brother. Can’t say goodbye just see you later my mate love you RIP Saul my brother."
Meanwhile numerous pals have laid floral tributes at the scene. One read: "Saul, gone but never forgotten. RIP. I love you always keep smiling your cheeky smile."
Another said: "Saul. You will always have a special place in my heart. I love you loads my dude." And a message on a cardboard sign tied to a nearby fence declared: "Kids on bikes don’t kill."
A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help the family with funeral costs. The page's creator Kelly Mcelroy wrote: "As I'm sure the news has now filtered down please guys let's help [Saul's parents] as much as we can towards the costs for Saul's funeral.
"No parents should bury their child especially in these circumstances, this family is one of our own so lets dig deep and help as much as we can. Any contribution will help. The last thing this family need is to worry about this. Thank you in advance."
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police spokesman said on Thursday evening: "At around 2pm on Thursday, GMP traffic officers began following a boy riding an e-bike along Fitzwarren Street in Salford, onto Lower Seedley Road. Bollards prevented the police vehicle from continuing to follow the e-bike.
"A short time later a road traffic collision occurred between the e-bike and an ambulance on Langworthy Road. The 15-year-old boy riding the e-bike sadly died.
"In line with normal proceedings, the incident has been referred to IOPC who are now leading the investigation. A cordon remains in place on Langworthy Road. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the boy who tragically died."
An IOPC spokesperson added: "We are independently investigating the circumstances of a serious collision involving an e-bike and an ambulance in Salford on Thursday.
"The rider of the bike, a 15-year-old boy, was taken to hospital where he sadly died. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by this tragedy.
"We were notified by Greater Manchester Police due to the fact a police vehicle had been following the e-bike shortly before the collision. We have sent investigators to the scene of the collision, at the junction of Langworthy Road and Lower Seedley Road, as well as to the police post-incident procedures, to begin gathering evidence.
"Our investigation is at a very early stage and we will provide further details once we are in a position to do so."
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